Illinois Entertainer July 2014 | Page 14

Unlike many contemporary practitioners of "instrumental," Lost In Blue isn't embarrassed to brandish the "metal" portion of the equation. After The End is instrumental rock, but it loudly proclaims a distinctive progressive-metal style, and an ear for melodic shredding. "Defense Condition 5" galloping, NWOBHM-style of crashing thunder and screaming guitars, and "The Day The Whale Exploded" sounds exactly like the title – big, violent, and, well, explosive. These songs aren't post-rock with a metal edge; they're thrashing metal shredders without lyrics. (www.lostinblue.com) – Patrick Conlan Refusing to stew in a puddle of Corpsevomit, three former members have taken up as Imperial Savagery. The fulllength debut slots right into the Slayerfueled early days of death metal, classical- overview of this burgeoning alternative rock foursome, though it does provide a